What are eroded limestone landscapes called?

What are eroded limestone landscapes called?

Karst is a landscape shaped by the erosion of limestone.

What are karst landscapes usually underlain by?

The term “karst” refers to a landscape that typically is pockmarked with sinkholes, may be underlain by caves, and has many large springs that discharge into stream valleys.

What is the word that describes the dissolution of caves within limestone?

Sinkhole: a depression in the ground caused by the collapse of a cave or by the direct dissolution of limestone by acidic water.

What is karst topography and what does it form?

[ kärst ] A landscape that is characterized by numerous caves, sinkholes, fissures, and underground streams. Karst topography usually forms in regions of plentiful rainfall where bedrock consists of carbonate-rich rock, such as limestone, gypsum, or dolomite, that is easily dissolved.

What is limestone landscape?

Eye-catching features such as caves, sinkholes and spectacular skyline landscapes are often associated with limestone formations. These landforms have developed through the interaction of rocks, water and climate.

Does limestone erode?

Limestone areas are predominantly affected by chemical weathering when rainwater, which contains a weak carbonic acid, reacts with limestone. This causes the limestone to dissolve. Rainwater erodes the vertical joints and horizontal bedding planes in limestone (see image below).

How are limestone karsts formed?

Karst is associated with soluble rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum. In general, a typical karst landscape forms when much of the water falling on the surface interacts with and enters the subsurface through cracks, fractures, and holes that have been dissolved into the bedrock.

What process creates caves in limestone?

Limestone caves, which are formed primarily by rainwater and snowmelt, are by far the most numerous of all cave types. This carbonic acid continues to seep into the soil and through the limestone until it reaches the water table, which is the upper limit at which ground is saturated with water.

What is karst or limestone topography?

Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves. It has also been documented for more weathering-resistant rocks, such as quartzite, given the right conditions.

What are the landforms found in limestone regions?

Karst topography is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes, caves etc..

What is limestone pavement in geography?

Limestone pavements Rainwater is a weak carbonic acid which reacts with the limestone dissolving the stone, enlarging joints and bedding planes. This leaves exposed blocks of limestone called clints and the resulting pattern of blocky rock is called a limestone pavement, eg Malham Cove.